Body found in NM cave; 2 suspects arrested

SANTA FE - Two men are in custody in connection with the death of an unidentified man whose body was found at the El Malpais National Monument in New Mexico.

New Mexico State Police said Tuesday that 20-year-old Bryce Franklin and 22-year-old Clifford Bearden both are being held on suspicion of an open count of murder, fraud, forgery and tampering with evidence.

Police say both suspects already were incarcerated at the Cibola County Adult Detention Center on unrelated charges.

The man was found dead Saturday some 65 feet down inside a cave in the Double Sinks landmark in the El Calderon Area.

Police say the body has been recovered and positive identification still is pending.